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Black Caucus members rally behind Pelosi

Many members of the Congressional Black Caucus are supporting Nancy Pelosi’s bid for the speakership over their own colleague and former chair, Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio), who’s mulling a challenging against the Minority Leader, Politico reports.

Why it matters: This comes as the caucus’ current chairman Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.) wrote recently about the need for a black speaker or majority leader. A number of CBC members, including Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), the highest-ranking black lawmaker in the caucus, said they’re backing Pelosi for the top leadership post. But Politico reports that Richmond said he would support Fudge if she decides to run.

The backdrop: Even before last week’s midterm elections, there has been growing calls by some younger Democrats who want to see a whole new and diverse leadership team put in place. Fudge, 66, is part of a group of 17 anti-Pelosi critics who have signed on to a letter pledging not to support Pelosi, 78, on the floor.

Pelosi, known for her fundraising prowess and political knowledge, has been leading House Democrats since 2003. At a press conference Thursday, Pelosi maintained confidence that she will prevail. A vote in the Democratic caucus is slated for Nov. 28. The full House will elect a new speaker on Jan. 3

Asked about a potential challenge from Fudge, Pelosi told reporters: “Come on in, the water’s warm.